Want to get a suppressor !

[fuze]

Could anyone point me in the right direction to get started ? I have no experience with suppressors or where to even start looking for one and the required paper work.

I live in the Shen Valley. The rifle I want to silence is a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22

I have only heard that it takes months to actually acquire once the paperwork is done, so I want to get it started as soon as possible.. but do not know where to start. Thank you.

[gunderwood]

You start by paying for the suppressor up front and in full. If the dealer is out of state, you need to find one in VA that does NFA transfers and get the dealer you purchased it from to transfer it to the in-state dealer. That can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the dealers and the ATF. Then you fill out the forms (depending on how you go, it may require a Law Enforcement signature, etc.), attached $200, and wait around 6 months, maybe more. If the ATF approves the transfer, you finally pick it up, but make sure you keep the tax stamp with the can at all times. Make sure you don't go anywhere with it that doesn't allow possession of suppressors either. That's the basic overview. If you start now you might be able to get it this year, just depends.

A big decision is trust vs a personal transfer. Do lots of reading and you may want to consult a lawyer. Google is your friend. The other big decision is which can as you are likely stuck with it for a long time. Realize that the $200 is for the tax stamp, it's the same for a $300 can as it is for a $3,000 can. Also, realize that suppressors are not like the movies. They are still very loud. The only thing that comes close to the movies is a manual action .22lr, some semi-autos can get there too.

Do some research on suppressing an AR and decide what you value. Is low cost important or is lower noise or how about handling, etc. Suppressing a firearm can increase the stress on some parts leading to more breakage or even to the firearm not functioning well. Research and see what others have done for your particular setup.

[OakRidgeStars]

Option 2:

[fuze]

You start by paying for the suppressor up front and in full. If the dealer is out of state, you need to find one in VA that does NFA transfers and get the dealer you purchased it from to transfer it to the in-state dealer. That can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the dealers and the ATF. Then you fill out the forms (depending on how you go, it may require a Law Enforcement signature, etc.), attached $200, and wait around 6 months, maybe more. If the ATF approves the transfer, you finally pick it up, but make sure you keep the tax stamp with the can at all times. Make sure you don't go anywhere with it that doesn't allow possession of suppressors either. That's the basic overview. If you start now you might be able to get it this year, just depends.

A big decision is trust vs a personal transfer. Do lots of reading and you may want to consult a lawyer. Google is your friend. The other big decision is which can as you are likely stuck with it for a long time. Realize that the $200 is for the tax stamp, it's the same for a $300 can as it is for a $3,000 can. Also, realize that suppressors are not like the movies. They are still very loud. The only thing that comes close to the movies is a manual action .22lr, some semi-autos can get there too.

Do some research on suppressing an AR and decide what you value. Is low cost important or is lower noise or how about handling, etc. Suppressing a firearm can increase the stress on some parts leading to more breakage or even to the firearm not functioning well. Research and see what others have done for your particular setup.

Thanks. I have only seen them used out at Hite Hollow, so I know that it is possible to obtain them locally, I just don't know the in's and out's of it. I should have inquired when I saw them being used...

The Smith & Wesson forum has a few people with their M&P 15-22's suppressed but I have not found anyone in VA with it done yet. I realize it's not like TV, but at the same time the noise reduction was very impressive from what I witnessed. I want one for noise reduction, I can shoot .22 shorts our of an old Glenfield already and that is pretty quiet, I would like my M&P to be atleast as quiet as the .22 shorts, which is almost like a pellet rifle...

Thank you for the response, I will get to googling and try to locate a dealer in the state, I am sure they could tell me all about it since they would want my business.

I have Option #2 covered, obviously. I have many higher caliber firearms that would have made me deaf by now if I did not. Thanks though.

See some of you around at the gun show tomo.

[Palladin]

http://vagunforum.net/post98116.html?hi ... %20#p98116

[fuze]

Thank you Palladin.

I see that my City will sign off on the forms, so my next step is locating a reputable dealer with the suppressor of my choice. Now I'm getting somewhere. Thanks again, that link is very useful.

[gunderwood]

Thanks. I have only seen them used out at Hite Hollow, so I know that it is possible to obtain them locally, I just don't know the in's and out's of it. I should have inquired when I saw them being used...

Yes, all things considered VA doesn't impose any additional difficulties in acquiring one. The only trouble you could have is the LEO signature, if required. Many people go for a trust because of that, but trusts in VA are relatively simple too.

It's important to understand if you move out of VA or take your firearms on a trip. Just because you have a Federally registered suppressor doesn't make it legal anywhere in the USA.

The Smith & Wesson forum has a few people with their M&P 15-22's suppressed but I have not found anyone in VA with it done yet.

Where they did it really isn't that important. It's the Feds who make you pay/register the suppressor. Localities only matter in determining if it's legal to have one period and how hard it is to get the LEO signature.

I would research what they have done and ask them lots of questions. Make sure you find out how long they have had it and how many rounds it's seen. Far too often people assume that something works fine because it shot well at a range trip or two. Most of us are guilty of it as very few of us actually shoot as much as we would like. Last year was a pathetic year for me.

There are a lot of good .22lr cans. For larger/military calibers I like AAC. However for a good low cost .22lr I'd look seriously at Liberty Suppressors. Materials matter. Titanium is sexy, but generally heats up too fast for lots of semi-auto fire. Heat is your cans enemy. The hotter it gets the more damage each successive round does to the baffles. Not a big deal with a .22lr can though. For .22lr, I'd advise you only purchase one that can be disassembled (standard feature on nearly every .22lr can, but just in case...). Vaporized lead and carbon build up otherwise. .22lr powder is generally not as clean as centerfire powder.

Thank you for the response, I will get to googling and try to locate a dealer in the state, I am sure they could tell me all about it since they would want my business.

Major-Malfunction is one of the larger dealers, but is out of state. I've bought cans from him and would do so again. Mostly a benefit if you're purchasing a high end can, not much price difference on the lower end stuff.

Yes, suppressors make firearms much, much less noisy. I just wanted to make sure you understood what they actually do, rather than what Hollywood thinks they do. A .22lr can should make your firearm pretty quite, but it's not going to get rid of the action noise. Once you buy one, you'll want a lot more. It really does make shooting much more pleasant and doesn't annoy the neighbors as much. FYI, many people still wear hearing protection when shooting with suppressors. Especially with the larger calibers and/or super sonic rounds.

[gunderwood]

Thank you Palladin.

I see that my City will sign off on the forms, so my next step is locating a reputable dealer with the suppressor of my choice. Now I'm getting somewhere. Thanks again, that link is very useful.

A trust has another useful benefit, multiple "owners." Strictly speaking, a NFA item transferred to one person shouldn't be permitted to possessed by another. E.g. you're wife. Practically, it doesn't seem to be enforced today. Someone like Diomed can give you better information on that...I created a trust and just don't care beyond that.

[fuze]

Is there any specific "Can" you would personally recommend ? I see that some can be used on multiple calibers, and that is something to consider. It would be nice to swap it between the 15-22 and AR15.

I will be headed down to the police station tomorrow to double check that they will sign off on it before I look into a trust. I don't forsee needing more then one for myself.

You have cleared a lot of my questions up, thanks. Which ever way I go I will make sure it can be taken apart by me and cleaned.

Last year I put roughly 6000 rounds through this particular .22lr.

[fuze]

Yankee Hill .22 Mite has caught my eye. 40db sound reduction, easy disassembly and pretty cheap. Reviews and youtube vids are both looking good. I think I have all of the info I need at this point, Thank you.

SWR Spectre and GemTec G5-22 also look nice but are a bit more pricey.

[gunderwood]

Is there any specific "Can" you would personally recommend ? I see that some can be used on multiple calibers, and that is something to consider. It would be nice to swap it between the 15-22 and AR15.

I will be headed down to the police station tomorrow to double check that they will sign off on it before I look into a trust. I don't forsee needing more then one for myself.

You have cleared a lot of my questions up, thanks. Which ever way I go I will make sure it can be taken apart by me and cleaned.

Last year I put roughly 6000 rounds through this particular .22lr.

A .22lr can won't be constructed well enough to withstand centerfire .223/5.56mm. Generally, when you see them swappable it's because you're purchasing a .223/5.56mm can that can be disassembled for cleaning to mitigate the affects of .22lr ammo. The downside is that it's going to be larger and heavier than a dedicated .22lr can. If you have the money, separate cans are almost always your best bet.

For AR15s I like the AAC Mini4. It's louder, but much smaller/lighter than quieter designs. However, I like to keep my ARs relatively light. If you're going for a longer range AR, something bigger is probably better. I like AAC because of their materials choices (they actually tell you the alloy; just because it's made of "Titanium" or whatever isn't enough) and construction methods. That Mini4 also has favorable blow back characteristics (gas operator AR15s will shoot gas out the charging handle towards your face...they ALL do it, buy vary considerable in how much). However, the reality is that unless the world ends I'll never need that level of quality. I buy it because I like it. Cans are kind of a lifetime purchase so buying quality makes sense IMHO, but YMMV.

Also pay attention to attachment mechanisms. There are pros and cons to each. You can find lots of good information if you just search for it. Remember, no one makes the best product for ever possible application. AAC makes great quality, but they don't come cheap. I like Liberty too because they build quality but at a more reasonable cost. Those are two brands I often check out first, but lots and lots of quality products out there.

I actually don't own a .22lr can yet. IMHO, it's the least useful to suppress. Very cool and lots of fun at the range (I've shot plenty), but suppressing larger calibers like 50BMG had more functionality IMHO. Funds, mostly from buying motorcycles, are the only reason I haven't yet.

Edit: FYI, don't chase the highest dB reduction rating. First, manufacturer's lie. Second, peak dB isn't everything. Duration, frequency, etc can all make a "louder" can actually sound quieter.

[gunderwood]

This is one of the better forums, with some real knowledgeable people. http://www.silencertalk.com/forum/

[M1A4ME]

I'd like to get one for my .300 blackout AR15. I contacted these folks awhile back but have not put the money and the effort into visiting them and getting the paperwork started on the purchase, the permit and the rifle modifications.

They are local to me and in VA.

http://tbasuppressors.com/contact-us/

[gunderwood]

Something else to watch out for. Make sure whomever you purchase from actually has the item in stock. If they don't, these things are often run off in batches so it could be a couple of months on top the process.

[fuze]

After all the advice you have given me (gunderwood) and all the reading i've done last night (my eyes are a little baggy today haha) I have it narrowed to the AAC Element and SS Sparrow.

I know the .22 is not a big ear ringer to start with, and that's half the reason I want to use a .22 suppressor I will spend a good bit on one of these better made units, buy once cry once right ? Thanks for all your help. I pretty much have it all figured out now and am going to get the process started in a few weeks once I scratch up about $800 bucks since all the money is up front. Thanks again.

[gunderwood]

After all the advice you have given me (gunderwood) and all the reading i've done last night (my eyes are a little baggy today haha) I have it narrowed to the AAC Element and SS Sparrow.

I know the .22 is not a big ear ringer to start with, and that's half the reason I want to use a .22 suppressor I will spend a good bit on one of these better made units, buy once cry once right ? Thanks for all your help. I pretty much have it all figured out now and am going to get the process started in a few weeks once I scratch up about $800 bucks since all the money is up front. Thanks again.

Your welcome. My preference is to buy and cry only once. With the $200 tax stamp, it encourages that philosophy as well. You might want to ask around a silencer forum to see if anyone in your area has the models you're looking at. Might give you a chance to hear them before purchasing.

[Diomed]

Major-Malfunction is one of the larger dealers, but is out of state. I've bought cans from him and would do so again.

Bryon's not selling to individuals anymore, just dealers.

Yankee Hill .22 Mite has caught my eye.

You can do a lot better. The Mite is average on a rifle, terrible on a pistol. You'll be hanging your can off a pistol eventually, so keep that in mind.

The Sparrow seems to be nice can (I've got one but haven't had a chance to put it through its paces), supposedly has some pop and is marginal on pistols. I haven't shot an Element.

The Spectre was good on rifles, pistols and subguns, I don't know how the new version compares.

The best advice is what gunderwood said, buy once, cry once. This is a lifetime purchase, so you're only hurting yourself if you skimp.

[gunderwood]

Major-Malfunction is one of the larger dealers, but is out of state. I've bought cans from him and would do so again.

Bryon's not selling to individuals anymore, just dealers.

Just found that out (I hadn't kept up in 2011, but was going to buy a few in 2012). Major-Malfunction seems to have handed his individual sales off to: http://www.silencedamerica.com/

Shop around and see where you can find the best deal. Don't forget to account for transfer fees, etc.

[vaeevictiss]

When did Bryon change that. I just bought another can from him last month?

anyway to the op...if you are shooting .223 & .22 you want a can you can disassemble. I currently don't think there is one that will handle 223 and disassembles.

Also the mite is junk. It's the lowest rated .22 can on the market. Do some research on different ones. I went with an swr spectre. Other good ones are the aac element and silencerco sparrow. All three can be broken down and cleaned.

I was looking for something cheap at first too but finally came to the conclusion that if im gonna be dropping an additional 200 bux plus waiting 6 months im going to get something good. Plan to have it the rest of your life. You won't be upset with any of the 3 i mentioned.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[vaeevictiss]

Major-Malfunction is one of the larger dealers, but is out of state. I've bought cans from him and would do so again.

Bryon's not selling to individuals anymore, just dealers.

Yankee Hill .22 Mite has caught my eye.

You can do a lot better. The Mite is average on a rifle, terrible on a pistol. You'll be hanging your can off a pistol eventually, so keep that in mind.

The Sparrow seems to be nice can (I've got one but haven't had a chance to put it through its paces), supposedly has some pop and is marginal on pistols. I haven't shot an Element.

The Spectre was good on rifles, pistols and subguns, I don't know how the new version compares.

The best advice is what gunderwood said, buy once, cry once. This is a lifetime purchase, so you're only hurting yourself if you skimp.

Lol apparently i should have read the rest of your post. I pretty much said the same thing. oh well, if anything it's a testament to those three cans haha

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk